Press Release

West Palm Beach, FL, June 07, 2014 --(PR.com)-- There are at least 44 million people worldwide living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, including 480,000 here in the State of Florida. Despite its soaring prevalence, Alzheimer’s disease is still largely misunderstood. The inaugural Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month is an opportunity to raise awareness of the Alzheimer’s crisis and educate people on the realities of the disease. The Alzheimer’s Association is asking everyone with a brain to join the purple movement this June and help protect our greatest assets.

Often thought of as minor memory loss, Alzheimer’s is a fatal disease that kills nerve cells and tissue in the brain, affecting an individual’s ability to remember, think and plan. As the disease advances, the brain shrinks dramatically due to cell death. Individuals lose their ability to communicate, recognize family and friends and care for themselves.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association 2014 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report, nearly a quarter (24%) of people agree with the mistaken belief that Alzheimer’s must run in their family for them to be at risk. When looking at certain ethnic groups, these numbers were even higher. A third of Latinos (33%) and almost half of Asians (45%) agreed with that incorrect statement. In actuality, everyone with a brain is at risk for Alzheimer’s, a disease that currently has no way to prevent, stop or even slow its progression.

“More than half of all Americans know someone with Alzheimer’s – but they may not know what they can do to make a difference,” said Ann May, CEO. We encourage everyone – friends, neighbors, and colleagues to make a difference by partnering with the Alzheimer’s Association.

Ways to join the fight against Alzheimer’s in June:

· Participant in The Longest Day®, where teams around the world come together and complete approximately 16 hours of activity on June 21. To join or start a team, visit alz.org/thelongestday.· Join the Alzheimer’s Association of Southeast Florida Walk to End Alzheimer’s®, which will take place on the following dates in these locations:- Boca Raton Walk to End Alzheimer’s®, Saturday, October 11 at Mizner Park- West Palm Beach Walk to End Alzheimer’s®, Saturday, October 19 at CityPlace- Treasure Coast Walk to End Alzheimer’s®, Saturday, October 25 at Indian RiverSide Park in Jensen Beach· Be social – Turn Facebook purple using an END ALZ graphic as your profile picture.· Go purple – Wear purple on Saturday, June 21, the longest day of the year, to support those facing the devastation of Alzheimer’s day in and day out.· Use your brain to fight Alzheimer’s disease – Become an Alzheimer’s advocate and write your members of Congress to ask for more federal funding for Alzheimer’s research.

For more information on Alzheimer’s disease, how to get involved and purple gear, visit alz.org/abam.

Alzheimer’s AssociationThe Alzheimer's Association is the world’s leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s. For more information, visit www.alz.org.

About the Alzheimer’s Association Southeast Florida ChapterThe Alzheimer's Association, Southeast Florida Chapter is a local 501 (c) 3 organization committed to helping the families of Okeechobee, St. Lucie, Martin, Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade and Monroe counties. For more information or to make a donation, please call the Southeast Florida Chapter at (800) 272- 3900 or visit www.alz.org/seflorida.